It is a lot of fun to pull up to the river, hop out of your car, and just get to fishing. On the other hand, if you can do that in a particular spot it means that countless others can do the same as well. A little initiative and, if you’re able, a little effort can make the difference in whether fish have seen angling pressure or not.

Today I share three ways to think about getting farther out into the woods faster:

• Trail running is a great way to explore more water and get in some excellent exercise.
• Hiking light is more accessible, but still allows for a quick excursion deep into the wild.
• In general, thinking about fitness in conjunction with fly fishing will keep you on the water longer.

Check out all three posts by clicking on the image or the title below:

Run to the Fish

As I went further up the mountains the water temperatures dropped significantly. With each mile, I saw less and less people. At the end of the day I had been able to fly fish, see so much wilderness, and put in some serious trail miles.  And I caught a lot of trout. Check out three reasons why you should give running to the fish a shot, and some tips on preparing for such an outing.

Hike to the Fish

This time, I slowed down. It wasn’t quite a brisk jog, but my pace was quicker than a leisurely stroll. Since I wasn’t running, I didn’t need the lightest and most streamlined load. But since I required a little more support, I had to take a few more things on my back. My packing list changed, as did my approach. Maybe you want to get deeper into the wild to pursue fish that haven’t seen a fly or worm in a while. If trail running isn’t up your alley, but you don’t mind putting in a few miles, check out what I did and why I did it.

How to Fish Better & Longer

There are some ways that you can get more casting in. There are some ways that your casts can be better at the end of the day. There are some ways that you can cast to fish that haven’t seen as much pressure. And they all involve moving; just a little bit more. In this episode I talk about how a little bit of attention to fitness can translate into better fishing. The bulk of the discussion focuses on getting deeper into the woods and away from the crowds more efficiently and effectively. This might mean running, jogging, or just a little bit more of a brisk walk. I also discuss gear selection for times when you’re moving a little bit faster.